Highlights of the bill include shrinking the number of board members to 11 (from the current high of 20), thus greatly reducing the number of massage industry appointees.

Under AB 1147, board members would consist of one member from the League of California Cities, one member from the California Police Chief's Association, a public member appointed by the Senate Rules Committee, a public member appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly, a representative of the Department of Consumer Affairs appointed by the Governor, a public member appointed by the Governor, and four representatives of the massage industry also appointed by the Governor.

There are other bills before the state legislature that also could potentially impact the massage therapy profession (AB 1904, AB 1747 and AB 2739). Authors of the bill say that the purpose of AB 1147 is to "enhance the competency requirements fro persons seeking certification as a massage practitioner by requiring an applicant to take and pass a massage and bodywork competency examination in addition to the 250 hours of education currently required,"

Assembly Bill 2739 would extend the provisions of the existing law until January 1, 2019.

Massage Today will continue to report any updates to the sunset review process as details become available. To contact your legislator and let them know about your experience with CAMTC, visit www.leginfo.ca.gov/ to find the representative for your area.

Comments are encouraged, but you must follow our User Agreement
Keep it civil and stay on topic. No profanity, vulgar, racist or hateful comments or personal attacks. Anyone who chooses to exercise poor judgement will be blocked. By posting your comment, you agree to allow MPA Media the right to republish your name and comment in additional MPA Media publications without any notification or payment.